David De Gea has carried out ‘special preparation’ for facing Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Manchester United goalkeeping coach Emilio Alvarez has revealed.
The Spain international goalkeeper was only beaten once in the first leg – by a Luke Shaw own goal – and will face another challenge at the Camp Nou on Tuesday night.
“It would be a lie if I said there was no special preparation for this opponent,” Alvarez told Cadena Ser radio.
“I have worked in Spain before both with David and with other goalkeepers and the truth is you need to look at more data and think of extra ways when facing opponents like Leo.
“But no matter how much effort and preparation you put in sometimes there is nothing you can do due to the extraordinary level of talent.
“Obviously I will not reveal what the extra work and preparation has been, but we have been studying other aspects of the game in terms of how we approach it.
“Of course, for David there is added motivation when facing a Spanish team, coming up against international teammates and going back home.
“But David is very strong mentally and he is excited for the game.”
